Last year saw the first ever BMW GS Challenge in Canada. Inspired by the increasing amount of GS customer activities all over the world, the owner of Montreal-based Moto Internationale Motorrad dealership, Charles Gref, organized a special event for BMW GS customers, which took place at the Pouvoirie du Lac Beauregard venue in the heart of the Hautes-Laurentides in Quebec.
The debut event attracted over 40 keen BMW owners, some from as far away as Ireland and Germany! All arrived on their own bikes, spanning the complete GS range from an R 80 GS through R 1100 GS, R 1150 and 1200 GS, and F 650 GS and Dakar models. BMW Motorrad Canada provided new G 650 Xchallenge, Xcountry and HP2 Enduro models to give the enthusiastic participants a chance to experience the very latest BMW off-road technology.
The three-day event was such a success that the organizers decided there and then to promote the 2008 Quebec GS Challenge internationally. This year's event will be held at the same venue in Mont-Laurier, Quebec, from 19-21 September and the hope is to attract up to 100 riders from all over the world. Open to all BMW GS motorcycles and enduro bikes (except motocross), participants can register, either individually or in teams of three riders.
The format will include skills tests in the 37 mile forest course; slow-speed races on a mud course with tight curves and sandy hills; and trials sessions, where riders have to deal with water crossings, mud, holes and sand. And this year there will be two different courses: an easier one for beginners and intermediates, and a tougher one for advanced riders. The event is all about teamwork as well as individual skills and there will be prizes for attending the GS Challenge as well as prizes for the winning team and for individual events.
Participants from outside Canada are most welcome and will be able to rent a BMW bike for the weekend. Furthermore, those who register alone can be matched with other motorcyclists so as to form a team. The 2008 GS Challenge is promoted by 'Securite Active', a company which also organizes on and off-road riding skills programs for BMW owners in Canada.
Naturally, space is limited for this annual weekend of riding skills challenges, so if you fancy testing your ability and also your team spirit, then please contact Chantal Cournoyer at Moto Internationale at 514-483-6686 or 1-800-871-6686 or at ch.cournoyer@motointer.com for more information about registration, accommodation and details of how to enter.
For a look at the venue, as well as a slideshow of images from last year's GS Challenge, visit the http://www.pourvoiriebeauregard.com.